Attachment 3- SOW.docx

Statement of Work U.S. Department of Agriculture Agricultural Marketing Service Cotton and Tobacco Program Main Power Electronic Switchboard for Corpus Christi Classing Office, Texas

1.0 BACKGROUND:

The USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS), Cotton and Tobacco Program (CTP), Grading Division, plays a critical role in supporting the efficient marketing of U.S. cotton by providing unbiased, science‑based fiber classification services. Using High Volume Instruments (HVI), the program electronically evaluates millions of cotton samples each year, supplying the domestic and international cotton industries with accurate, real‑time data essential for pricing, marketing, and quality assurance. To ensure the integrity of these measurements, AMS operates specialized laboratories that must maintain tightly controlled environmental conditions, supported by extensive industrial‑grade mechanical, electrical, and data‑handling systems.

Each AMS classing office—including the Corpus Christi facility—relies on a complex infrastructure of air‑handling equipment, vacuum systems, conveyor systems, and rapid conditioning units to prepare, transport, and test cotton samples efficiently. These systems enable the precise control of temperature, humidity, and sample moisture content required for reliable HVI testing. The Corpus Christi Classing Office alone operates 18 HVI machines, 6 Cotton Grader Terminals, multiple computer workstations, and a dedicated data‑transmission environment that feeds classification results directly into AMS mainframe systems for immediate distribution to stakeholders nationwide.

As the global leader in HVI testing, the Cotton & Tobacco Program classifies virtually every bale of cotton grown in the United States—approximately 15 to 18 million samples annually. The scale and importance of this mission demand high levels of operational reliability, speed, and accuracy across all laboratory systems. This Statement of Work outlines the background, requirements, and operational context necessary to support these mission‑critical functions and ensure the continued delivery of trusted, world‑class cotton classification services.

2.0 Purpose:

The U. S. Department of Agriculture is seeking a contractor for repairing the existing main power electrical switchboard and upgrading it to meet current electrical code and safety standards. The work will ensure reliable power distribution, reduce operational risk, and protect sensitive laboratory equipment essential to USDA cotton classing operations.

3.0 Scope of Work

The contractor shall provide all labor, materials, equipment, testing, and documentation necessary to:

· Inspect and evaluate the existing main electrical switchboard.

· Repair or replace damaged, worn, or obsolete components.

· Upgrade the switchboard to meet current NEC, NFPA 70E, and USDA requirements.

· Install a service‑entrance surge protection system (if not already present or non‑functional).

· Perform all required testing, labeling, and commissioning.

· Provide updated documentation, including as‑builts and O&M materials.

4.0 Technical Requirements

4.1 Switchboard Inspection and Assessment

The contractor shall:

· Conduct a full inspection of the switchboard, including breakers, bus bars, insulation, terminations, grounding, and enclosures.

· Identify deficiencies, code violations, and safety hazards.

· Provide a written assessment with recommended repairs and upgrades.

4.2 Repairs and Component Replacement

Repairs may include, but are not limited to:

· Replacement of worn or obsolete breakers.

· Repair or replacement of damaged bus bars, lugs, or terminations.

· Correction of overheating, corrosion, or insulation degradation.

· Replacement of missing or damaged covers, barriers, and dead‑front panels.

· Installation of updated labeling, circuit directories, and arc‑flash warning labels.

· Correction of grounding and bonding deficiencies.

All replacement components must be UL‑listed and compatible with the existing switchboard.

4.3 Code Compliance Upgrades

The contractor shall bring the switchboard into compliance with:

· NEC (latest edition)

· NFPA 70E electrical safety requirements

· OSHA electrical safety standards

· Local and state electrical codes Upgrades may include:

· Arc‑flash mitigation improvements

· Proper working clearances and access

· Updated lockout/tagout provisions

· Correct conductor sizing and terminations

· Installation of missing safety barriers or insulation

4.4 Surge Protection System

If the existing surge protection system is missing, outdated, or non‑functional, the contractor shall:

· Install a UL 1449 4th Edition service‑entrance surge protective device (SPD).

· Integrate SPD into the switchboard per manufacturer requirements.

· Provide visual status indicators and remote alarm contacts if required.

4.5 Electrical Shutdown and Coordination

· Contractor shall coordinate all shutdowns with USDA facility management.

· Work shall be scheduled to minimize operational disruption.

· Temporary power may be required for critical systems; contractor shall propose solutions.

5.0 Deliverables

The contractor shall provide:

· Inspection report detailing deficiencies and recommended repairs.

· Repair plan and schedule including shutdown windows.

· Submittals for replacement components and surge protection equipment.

· As‑built documentation reflecting all repairs and upgrades.

· O&M manuals for any new components or systems.

• Commissioning and testing report including torque logs, insulation resistance tests, and functional verification.

• Training session for USDA personnel on new safety features or operational changes.

6.0 Codes and Standards

All work shall comply with:

· National Electrical Code (NEC)

· NFPA 70 and NFPA 70E

· OSHA electrical safety requirements

· Local and state electrical codes

· USDA facility engineering guidelines (where applicable)

7.0 Contractor Responsibilities

The contractor shall:

· Conduct a site visit to verify existing conditions.

· Provide all necessary permits and inspections.

· Maintain a safe work environment and follow USDA safety protocols.

· Protect existing equipment and facility operations during work.

· Dispose of replaced components per environmental regulations.

· Restore all disturbed areas to original condition.

8.0 Government Responsibilities

USDA will:

· Provide facility access and escort as required.

· Identify critical equipment requiring temporary power.

· Review and approve submittals, schedules, and repair plans.

· Coordinate internal communications regarding shutdowns.

9.0 Acceptance Criteria

Work will be accepted upon:

· Completion of all repairs and code compliance upgrades.

· Successful testing and commissioning.

· Delivery of all required documentation.

· USDA approval of final inspection.